STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Wounded"
#40274-186
Story by
Stuart Charno & Sara Charno
and
Cy Chermak
Teleplay by
Jeri Taylor
Directed by
Chip Chalmers
THE WRITING CREDITS MAY NOT BE FINAL AND SHOULD NOT BE USED
FOR PUBLICITY OR ADVERTISING PURPOSES WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING
WITH THE TELEVISION LEGAL DEPARTMENT.
Copyright 1990 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights
Reserved. This script is not for publication or
reproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. If
lost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department.
FINAL DRAFT
OCTOBER 23, 1990
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/29/90 - CAST
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Wounded"
CAST
PICARD Starfleet
RIKER ADMIRAL HADEN
DATA CAPTAIN BENJAMIN MAXWELL
TROI
Cardassians
GEORDI GUL MACET
WORF GLINN DARO
GLINN TELLE
O'BRIEN
KEIKO
COMPUTER VOICE
Non-Speaking
SUPERNUMERARIES
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/29/90 - SETS
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Wounded"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE
MAIN BRIDGE
CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM USS PHOENIX
OBSERVATION LOUNGE
TEN-FORWARD CARDASSIAN WARSHIP
TRANSPORTER ROOM
CORRIDOR CARDASSIAN CARGO SHIP
TURBOLIFT
O'BRIENS' QUARTERS
USS PHOENIX
CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM
STARFLEET
ADMIRAL HADEN'S OFFICE
(ON VIEWSCREEN ONLY)
CARDASSIAN WARSHIP TRAGER
MACET'S BRIDGE
(ON VIEWSCREEN ONLY)
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/29/90 - PRONUNCIATION
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Wounded"
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
CARDASSIAN car-DASS-ee-en
CUELLAR KWAY-yar
DARO DAR-oh
GUL MACET gull mah-SETT
KANAR KAY-nahr
TELLE TELL-eh
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/29/90 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Wounded"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
travelling through space.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log: Stardate 44429.6.
We are on a mapping survey near
the Cardassian sector. It has
been nearly a year since a peace
treaty ended the long conflict
between the Federation and
Cardassia.
2 INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS
PICARD, WORF, DATA, RIKER, TROI, SUPERNUMERARIES as
needed.
DATA
Captain, we are nearing the
periphery of Sector
twenty-one-five-oh-three.
PICARD
Be on the lookout for a Cardassian
patrol vessel, Mister Worf.
They should be hailing us soon.
RIKER
Even with a treaty, they're
skittish about protecting their
borders.
Picard is on his feet, walks toward the viewscreen,
gazing at the field of stars.
PICARD
Last time I was in this sector,
I was on the Stargazer, running
at warp speed ahead of a
Cardassian warship.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/29/90 - TEASER 2.
2 CONTINUED:
TROI
(amused)
Running, Captain? You? That's
hard to believe...
PICARD
Believe it. I'd been sent to make
preliminary overtures to a
truce... I lowered my shields as
a gesture of good will. But the
Cardassians weren't impressed.
They took out most of my weapons
and damaged the impulse engines
before I could regroup and run.
WORF
The Cardassians have no honor.
I do not trust them.
TROI
They're our allies now, Worf.
We have to trust them.
WORF
Trust is earned, not given away.
Picard smiles wryly at his outspoken Security Officer.
PICARD
Well, I hope their scout vessel
makes contact soon. It's not a
good idea to stay too long on a
Cardassian border without making
your intentions known.
3 CLOSE ON A PLATE OF FOOD (OPTICAL)
which MATERIALIZES in the replicator -- largely
unrecognizable, of skimpy portions, and not
particularly appealing.
CUT TO:
4 INT. O'BRIEN'S QUARTERS - CONTINUOUS
O'Brien sits at a table, staring down at the plate of
food. Keiko is just bringing her own plate, sits and
joins him.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/23/90 - TEASER 3.
4 CONTINUED:
O'BRIEN
(re: food)
What is it?
KEIKO
Kelp buds... plankton loaf... and
sea berries.
O'Brien stirs the food dispiritedly.
O'BRIEN
Sweetheart... I'm not a fish.
She smiles brightly, unoffended.
KEIKO
It's very healthy. I had this
for breakfast every morning when
I was growing up.
O'BRIEN
No oatmeal -- or muffins? How
about corned beef and eggs?
KEIKO
For breakfast?
She continues to eat heartily.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/23/90 - TEASER 4.
4 CONTINUED: (2)
O'BRIEN
(carefully)
Keiko, I've been thinking...
You've introduced me to all the
wonderful foods you're accustomed
to... I'd like to do the same.
(beat)
Isn't that what marriage is about?
Sharing?
She eyes him somewhat cautiously.
KEIKO
Like what kind of food?
O'BRIEN
Scalloped potatoes... mutton
shanks... oxtails and cabbage...
KEIKO
Kind of... heavy...
O'BRIEN
No, you'll love it, I promise.
(a deep breath)
I can still remember the aromas
when my mother was cooking...
KEIKO
She cooked?
O'BRIEN
She didn't believe in a
replicator. She thought real food
was more nutritious.
KEIKO
(with mild distaste)
She handled... real meat...
touched it and cut it?
O'BRIEN
Like a chef. She was fantastic.
Of course, I'll have to use the
replicator... but I'll make
something special for you tonight.
You'll love it, I promise.
She smiles, swings her arms around his neck, pulls him
close.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/29/90 - TEASER 5.
4 CONTINUED: (3)
KEIKO
Okay. Maybe I'll have something
special for you, tonight, too...
She kisses him gently... then there is a muffled
explosion and a tremor in the room. Keiko pulls back,
startled. O'Brien gets to his feet, alert.
O'BRIEN
Something's wrong...
COMPUTER VOICE
Red alert. Take emergency
stations.
5 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
under attack by a Cardassian warship.
6 INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS
Everyone on the Bridge at their stations and
functioning.
WORF
Cardassian ship preparing to fire
again, sir!
PICARD
Increase power to forward shields!
Another explosion jolts the Enterprise.
PICARD
Hail them again, Mister Worf.
RIKER
What is he doing? Damage report!
WORF
Minor damage to secondary hull
before we put our shields up, sir.
No casualties, structural
integrity intact.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/25/90 - TEASER 6.
6 CONTINUED:
GEORDI'S COM VOICE
Engineering to Bridge... starboard
power coupling is down...
And another, bigger explosion rips at the reeling
Enterprise, causing the Bridge to shudder, lights play
off and on. In the midst of this chaos --
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/29/90 - ACT ONE 7.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
7 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND CARDASSIAN SHIP (OPTICAL)
The Cardassian ship firing on the Enterprise.
8 INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
Still in upheaval.
PICARD
Evasive action -- Delta Sequence.
Mister Worf, ready phasers.
DATA
Delta Evasion Plan initiated...
PICARD
Mister Worf, limit targets to
engines and shields...
WORF
Aye sir... ready...
PICARD
Fire.
9 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND CARDASSIAN SHIP (OPTICAL)
Phaser fire rips from the Enterprise toward the
Cardassian ship.
10 INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS
DATA
Direct hit, sir. Moderate damage
to their aft shield generators...
PICARD
Continue phaser fire.
DATA
Multiple hits. Power failure
in forward shields...
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/25/90 - ACT ONE 7A.
10 CONTINUED:
WORF
Cardassian ship is standing down,
sir.
PICARD
Let's see if they'll answer our
hail now, Mister Worf.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/25/90 - ACT ONE 8.
10 CONTINUED: (2)
WORF
Frequency open, sir.
PICARD
(stepping forward)
This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard,
of the Federation Starship
Enterprise.
11 ON VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
A Cardassian Gul (Captain) appears. These are humanoid
aliens -- sleek, handsome, intense.
MACET
I am Gul Macet of the Cardassian
ship Trager.
PICARD
Why have you fired on us?
MACET
A curious question. In war, one
attacks one's enemies.
PICARD
(perplexed)
There is a treaty between our
people...
MACET
Perhaps that fact was unknown to
the Federation starship which
destroyed our space station in
the Cuellar System two days ago.
Picard is taken aback -- this is news to him.
PICARD
A Federation starship... ?
MACET
Attacked an unarmed science
station. They had barely enough
time to send an emergency
signal... before they were
incinerated.
Picard reacts.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/29/90 - ACT ONE 9.
11 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Gul Macet... the Federation and
the Cardassians have struggled
too hard for peace to abandon it
so easily...
MACET
We are not the ones who
abandoned it, Captain.
PICARD
Let me talk to my superiors...
find out what's behind this.
Give me one hour. The alternative
is for us to continue firing at
each other. In such a contest,
you would be at a disadvantage.
MACET
Very well. One hour.
His image is replaced with that of the ship. On
Picard's troubled expression....
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/29/90 - ACT ONE 10.
12 OMITTED
13 INT. READY ROOM - CLOSE ON MONITOR - INTERCUTTING
WITH PICARD (OPTICAL)
and the image of Admiral Haden.
ADMIRAL HADEN
We've confirmed the report,
Captain. It was the starship
Phoenix... under the command of
Benjamin Maxwell.
PICARD
Ben Maxwell... he's one of
Starfleet's finest Captains...
he must have had provocation.
ADMIRAL HADEN
I wish we knew. He's gone on
silent running... doesn't answer
our communiques.
PICARD
Then he's still in Cardassian
space.
ADMIRAL HADEN
(acknowledges)
The station he destroyed was in
sector twenty-one-five-oh-five
-- you're the nearest starship.
We want you to go in and find
him.
PICARD
Will the Cardassians
cooperate... ?
ADMIRAL HADEN
They've granted you safe
passage... We've agreed that
you'll take along a delegation
of observers as a show of good
faith.
(beat)
Jean-Luc... I don't have to tell
you the Federation is not prepared
for a new sustained conflict. You
must preserve the peace... no
matter what the cost. Haden out.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/25/90 - ACT ONE 11.
13 CONTINUED:
The screen goes blank and Picard sits for a moment,
reflecting on the precariousness of the situation.
14 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND CARDASSIAN VESSEL (OPTICAL)
head-to-head.
15 INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE - MINUTES LATER.
Picard briefs the crew.
PICARD
... there will be three Cardassians
transporting on board... Their
Captain, Gul Macet and two of his
aides.
(beat)
My intention is to be as open as
possible with them... allow them
to share in our search for the
Phoenix.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/25/90 - ACT ONE 12.
15 CONTINUED:
WORF
Sir, it is necessary to assign
them a security detail.
PICARD
They will be our guests, Mister
Worf. I don't want them to feel
like prisoners.
Worf is silent, but his look is eloquent.
RIKER
I'm inclined to agree with Worf,
Captain. I would limit their
access while they're on board.
They don't need the run of the
ship.
A minor rebellion here. Picard faces them.
PICARD
I understand your concerns. And
I realize... that we have had
a long and difficult history with
the Cardassians.
He paces, formulating his thoughts.
PICARD
However... it is not an
exaggeration to say that the
difference between peace... and
war... is up to us. And the way
we treat the Cardassians may make
the difference.
WORF
At least let me post guards at
some of the sensitive areas of
the ship.
PICARD
(considers)
Very well, we will limit their
access. But instruct your
people... they are guests.
He turns to Troi.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/25/90 - ACT ONE 13.
15 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
Counselor, stay close to the
crew. Some of them might be
uncomfortable with the Cardassians
on board. I want no incidents.
TROI
Yes, Captain.
PICARD
Mister Data, is there anyone on
board who served previously with
Captain Benjamin Maxwell?
DATA
Accessing...
(beat)
Chief O'Brien served under his
command aboard the Rutledge.
PICARD
Very well. Mister Riker...
Counselor... you will greet our
guests in Transporter Room Three.
And advise Chief O'Brien that I
will be calling on him.
RIKER
(rising)
Yes, sir.
He and Troi head for the Turbolift.
16 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM - MINUTES LATER (OPTICAL)
Riker and Troi ENTER; O'Brien is there.
O'BRIEN
The delegation is ready to come
aboard, sir.
RIKER
I believe you served under
Benjamin Maxwell?
At the mention of this name, O'Brien brightens.
O'BRIEN
Captain Maxwell? I'm proud to
say I did.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/25/90 - ACT ONE 14.
16 CONTINUED:
RIKER
It seems Maxwell has taken it
upon himself to destroy a
Cardassian space station.
O'Brien is taken aback, but there is no flickering in
his loyalty.
O'BRIEN
If that's true, sir, there was
a reason for it. I'd bank my life
on that.
Riker and Troi both take note of the fervent defense.
RIKER
The Captain may want to talk to
you about him.
(re: Transport)
Bring them aboard.
He manipulates his controls, there is the shimmering
EFFECT, and three Cardassians -- Gul Macet and two
aides -- MATERIALIZE on the pad. Riker steps forward
as they descend.
RIKER
Welcome to the Enterprise. I am
First Officer William Riker...
this is Counselor Deanna Troi.
MACET
I am Gul Macet... my aides, Glinn
Daro and Glinn Telle.
There are murmured greetings. Riker guides them toward
the door. The Cardassians see O'Brien, who cannot
entirely disguise his discomfort around his former
enemies.
RIKER
Our Transporter Chief, Mister
O'Brien.
The Cardassians nod politely. O'Brien inclines his
head only enough to have acknowledged them. He stares
straight ahead, not making eye contact. The others
start out the door.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/25/90 - ACT ONE 15.
17 CLOSE ON O'BRIEN
as he turns his head to follow their progress. In his
eyes there is a look of strange and puzzling intensity.
18 CLOSE ON TROI
the last out the door, as she turns back to look at
O'Brien. She has seen his reaction to the Cardassians,
and is troubled. She meets his eye.
19 O'BRIEN
looks away, his face an impervious mask once more.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/29/90 - ACT TWO 16.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
20 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
moving through space.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's Log, supplemental: We
have entered Cardassian territory,
and are proceeding in our quest
to locate the Phoenix.
21 INT. ENTERPRISE - OBSERVATION LOUNGE
Picard, Riker, Geordi, O'Brien, and the three
Cardassians.
GEORDI
... and with long-range sensors,
we've been scanning a radius of
ten light years. We can
effectively scan one sector in
a day.
RIKER
We are scanning Sector
twenty-one-five-oh-five now. So
far... no sign of the Phoenix.
MACET
(challenging)
In fact, you have no assurance
that the ship is still in Sector
twenty-one-five-oh-five.
RIKER
(right back at him)
In fact, we don't have any idea
where it is. But the last known
co-ordinates seemed like a
reasonably good place to start.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/23/90 - ACT TWO 17.
21 CONTINUED:
PICARD
(jumping in to keep it
smooth)
We would welcome any additional
intelligence your forces could
provide.
MACET
Captain Picard... you can
understand that we are skeptical.
Do you expect us to believe that
you are using every means at your
disposal -- to track down one of
your own?
PICARD
Of course you would have concerns,
Gul Macet. It is precisely
because of that fact that I am
including you in every aspect of
our effort.
(gesturing)
You are here, with my staff,
hearing reports as I hear them.
Nothing is edited... nothing
withheld.
This is Picard at his most charming and persuasive. He
waves his hand toward Macet's chair.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/25/90 - ACT TWO 18.
21 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
Please. Let us continue.
Macet hesitates a second, lest he appear too
acquiescent. Then --
MACET
Very well.
He sits.
PICARD
Our Transporter Chief, Mister
O'Brien, has served with Benjamin
Maxwell. I thought he might
provide some insights.
All heads turn toward O'Brien.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/29/90 - ACT TWO 19.
21 CONTINUED: (3)
PICARD
Mister O'Brien... I believe
Captain Maxwell lost his family...
during a raid on an outpost.
O'BRIEN
More like sabotage, sir. It was
on Setlik Three. A squad of
Cardassian militia made a sneak
attack on an outpost... wiped out
close to a hundred civilians.
MACET
Then it's vengeance he's after.
O'BRIEN
That's not what I meant --
MACET
Maxwell's taking retribution for
his own loss.
O'BRIEN
(half-rising)
Captain Maxwell would never --
PICARD
Gentlemen, please. Let us avoid
speculation, and confine this
discussion to facts. Now, Mister
O'Brien --
WORF'S COM VOICE
Worf to Captain Picard.
PICARD
(keys insignia)
Yes, Lieutenant.
WORF'S COM VOICE
Captain -- long range sensors have
located the Phoenix.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/29/90 - ACT TWO 20.
21 CONTINUED: (4)
Macet is already on his feet. Picard rises also.
PICARD
Will you join me on the Bridge?
He and Picard EXIT toward the Bridge; the others,
toward the corridor.
22 INT. ENTERPRISE - CORRIDOR OUTSIDE TURBOLIFT
O'Brien waits as a Turbolift door slides open, enters
-- and turns as the Cardassian aides enter.
23 INT. ENTERPRISE - INSIDE TURBOLIFT
as the doors close.
O'BRIEN
Deck six.
DARO
Deck ten.
The Turbolift takes off. There is a moment's strained
silence, then --
DARO
Your Captain is most impressive.
O'Brien is a little startled at being addressed.
O'BRIEN
Yes. He is.
More silence.
DARO
Chief O'Brien... our Transporting
system is still operating with
active feed pattern buffers. I
would like to talk with you about
your technology.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/29/90 - ACT TWO 21.
23 CONTINUED:
O'BRIEN
I'll have to get Commander
La Forge's approval on that.
DARO
I understand. In the meantime...
we're going to your Ten-Forward.
Will you join us?
The Turbolift has arrived at Deck seventeen. O'Brien
starts for the door, turns back.
O'BRIEN
If my commander tells me to
discuss the Transporter with you,
I will. If Captain Picard orders
me to tell you everything I know
about Ben Maxwell, I will.
He moves closer, speaks with a quiet intensity.
O'BRIEN
But who I choose to spend my free
time with... that's my business.
He turns and steps off the Turbolift. The doors close,
and there is an embarrassed silence.
24 INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE - SIMULTANEOUS
Picard, Riker, Data, Worf.
DATA
We have located the Phoenix in
Sector twenty-one-five-oh-five.
PICARD
Ensign, set a course -- warp six.
Mister Worf, send a message by
sub-space. Tell them to prepare
to rendezvous with us.
WORF
Yes, Captain.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/29/90 - ACT TWO 22.
24 CONTINUED:
MACET
Captain... a suggestion.
Sensing something coming, Picard turns toward him.
PICARD
Yes?
MACET
We have a number of ships in
sector twenty-one-five-oh-five.
If you give us more precise
coordinates... and the ship's
coded transponder frequency...
we could intercept Maxwell much
more quickly than you.
A barely perceptible pause.
PICARD
I'm sure that's true. However,
given the circumstances, I'd
prefer to make the initial contact
myself. As I'm sure you would
if the situation were reversed.
These are two shrewd masters of verbal fencing. Macet
makes one last exploratory thrust.
MACET
Time is crucial. You have a
dangerous man out there, with a
huge arsenal at his command. If
he's bent on revenge against my
people... he must be stopped
before he can do more damage.
PICARD
At the moment, we have an isolated
incident. If I reach him first,
diplomatic efforts can still
prevail.
(beat)
But if one of your ships decides
to retaliate against the
Phoenix... we risk losing control
of the situation.
MACET
Then you won't give us the means
of finding his exact location?
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/29/90 - ACT TWO 23.
24 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
No. I will not.
Picard turns away from him. Macet glares at him.
25 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
warping through space.
26 INT. O'BRIEN'S QUARTERS - LATER (OPTICAL)
O'Brien, humming a little tune, carries a steaming
casserole from the replicator, puts it on the table,
where Keiko sits.
O'BRIEN
There you are... potato casserole
-- a dish fit for kings.
He turns back and gathers napkins, flatware, and a
candle. As Keiko inspects the casserole, he arranges
the table. He is still half-humming, half-singing
the song.
O'BRIEN
... minstrel boy to the war is gone...
(hums)
Keiko looks up at him curiously.
KEIKO
What's that you're singing?
O'BRIEN
What? Oh... just an old song...
He hadn't even realized he'd been singing. He tries
to explain.
O'BRIEN
A bunch of us used to sing it
together... on the Rutledge.
I haven't thought about it for
years...
KEIKO
What's it about?
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/29/90 - ACT TWO 23A.
26 CONTINUED:
O'BRIEN
Oh... about war, and glory...
(sings softly)
"The minstrel boy to the war is gone;
In the ranks of death you'll find him;
His father's sword he hath girded on;
And his wild harp slung behind him."
(speaking)
... Captain Maxwell always liked
that song...
(beat)
I guess all this business with
him and the Cardassians... brought
it back.
He sits, starts slowly to eat. He's trying to figure a
way to bring something up... something he doesn't quite
feel comfortable discussing head on.
O'BRIEN
You know... sitting with the
staff this morning, I could
tell there were people in that
room who still don't like the
Cardassians.
KEIKO
I imagine that's to be expected...
O'BRIEN
You do?
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/25/90 - ACT TWO 24.
26 CONTINUED: (2)
KEIKO
The war lasted a long time. That
takes its toll on people. What
are these little black things?
O'BRIEN
Capers. But the fighting is over
now. Why would anyone still
feel... however they feel?
KEIKO
Maybe it's not that easy for some
people to forget.
She eyes him, knowing him well enough to know there's
more going on here than he's admitting to.
O'BRIEN
I'm... trying to understand. The
people who hang onto -- grudges.
Seems to me they ought to be able
to put those feelings aside...
once the fighting's done with.
KEIKO
That may be harder to do than to
say.
(beat)
You fought the Cardassians, didn't
you?
O'BRIEN
There were some skirmishes... when
I was with Captain Maxwell.
KEIKO
Well... how do you feel about
them?
O'BRIEN
Me? I feel... fine. I mean...
the war's over now.
She gives him a look: Is it? Disconcerted, he takes
refuge in his food.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/29/90 - ACT TWO 25.
26 CONTINUED: (3)
O'BRIEN
Tomorrow night... kidney pie.
And then maybe pot roast... beef
tongue...
Keiko regards him quietly. Something's going on with
him... she'll be patient, it will work itself out.
27 OMITTED
28 CLOSE ON VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
It shows an Okudagram: the grid of a sector with two
flashing figures indicating starships; one is red, the
other, blue. The red one is moving slowly; the blue,
larger, still a ways away, is moving faster, headed
right for the other.
28A INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
Picard, Riker, Data, Worf, Conn, and Macet. They are
gazing intently at the screen.
PICARD
The pursuing ship is the Phoenix.
MACET
And the other?
There is a hesitation, and some looks are exchanged.
DATA
We believe it to be a Cardassian
supply ship.
MACET
How would you know that?
PICARD
We... are able to make that
determination.
Macet looks from one to the other.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/23/90 - ACT TWO 26.
28A CONTINUED:
MACET
You can read our transponder
codes!
PICARD
What is important at the moment
is that your ship may be in
jeopardy. Mister Worf -- any
answer to our communications?
WORF
No, Captain.
PICARD
Put a repeating message on all
sub-space channels. Make it a
Priority One communique -- break
off pursuit immediately.
(turns to Macet)
Gul Macet... as you can see, we
are doing everything in our power
to reach the Phoenix.
MACET
And accomplishing nothing.
(looks at screen)
Can you show me the location of
our other ships?
PICARD
Mister Data.
Data manipulates controls, and other red blips appear
on the screen... one of them within striking distance
of the Phoenix.
MACET
You see... we have a warship which
could intercept the Phoenix before
it's too late. If you will give
us the transponder frequency.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/29/90 - ACT TWO 27.
29 ANGLE - VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
as the Phoenix moves inexorably closer to the supply
ship.
MACET (V.O.)
Or are you going to stand and
watch while our ship is destroyed?
30 FULL SHOT - THE GROUP
PICARD
Mister Worf -- has there been any
response to our hails?
WORF
No, sir.
Picard makes a tough decision.
PICARD
Very well... prepare to relay the
transponder code of the Phoenix
to the Cardassian warship.
Worf doesn't like this idea. A lot.
WORF
Sir -- ?
PICARD
And then send a message to Captain
Maxwell... advise him that we
have relayed his location to the
Cardassians.
Worf turns to his task. Riker is upset enough that
he risks questioning the Captain in front of Macet.
RIKER
Begging your pardon, Captain...
the transponder code will allow
them to track all our ships.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/29/90 - ACT TWO 28.
30 CONTINUED:
PICARD
I'm aware of that. Mister Worf
-- any response from the Phoenix?
WORF
No, Captain.
PICARD
Mister Data, any change in their
their course?
DATA
Nossir. The Phoenix is
continuing on its bearing
toward the supply ship.
There is a long, tense moment. Then --
PICARD
Mister Worf... relay the prefix
codes of the Phoenix to the
Cardassian warship.
WORF
(stunned)
Sir, they'll be able to dismantle
its shields! The Phoenix won't
have a chance.
PICARD
I cannot allow Maxwell to
ambush that supply ship. Mister
Worf -- now.
Worf stares down at him, almost trembling in his
distress. Finally --
WORF
Yes, Captain.
He begins working the controls. Gul Macet's expression
is enigmatic, Riker's distressed. On Picard --
nothing, except perhaps, deep in his eyes, the anguish
of hard choices.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/29/90 - ACT THREE 29.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
31 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
warping through space.
32 INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
Picard, Riker, Macet, Data and Worf -- all watching the
viewscreen.
DATA
Sir, the Cardassian warship is
moving on the Phoenix.
33 ANGLE - VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL) - INTERCUTTING
The Okudagram shows that the Cardassian ship has
turned toward the Phoenix and is rapidly bearing down
on it.
34 FULL SHOT - THE GROUP (OPTICAL)
PICARD
Mister Data, overlay weapon
ranges of the two ships...
On the screen, two circles appear around the flashing
blips. They are just beginning to touch.
DATA
The warship is three hundred
thousand kilometers from the
Phoenix. It is opening fire.
The Phoenix has taken a direct
hit.
The men stare at the screen as Data, in his emotionless
way, narrates the grim battle.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/29/90 - ACT THREE 30.
34 CONTINUED:
DATA
The Phoenix is beginning evasive
maneuvers.
(beat)
It has positioned itself outside
the weapons range of the opposing
ship.
(beat)
The Phoenix has powered up with
both phasers and photon
torpedoes.
(beat)
The Phoenix is firing photon
torpedoes.
On the screen, the Phoenix has turned and is engaged
with the warship. The blips flutter a moment on the
screen... and then the Cardassian ship simply
disappears.
MACET
(unbelieving)
He has destroyed our warship...
There is a moment's silence as Picard's mind races.
PICARD
(to Macet)
Does the supply ship carry any
weapons?
MACET
Limited. Not enough to defeat
a Nebula Class Starship.
DATA
Sir...
He looks up at the screen... as the smaller blip of
the supply ship flashes and then vanishes. The men
watching are grimly silent. Finally --
MACET
The warship carried a crew of six
hundred... the supply ship...
fifty...
There is a silent, awful moment as they all absorb the
enormity of this act. Picard glances at Macet, mind
racing.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/25/90 - ACT THREE 31.
34 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
Mister Data... estimated time
until we intercept the Phoenix.
DATA
At our present speed of warp four,
sixteen hours, forty-four minutes.
PICARD
Ensign, increase to warp nine.
Gul Macet looks at him, overwhelmed by the events they
have just witnessed. Then he turns and strides toward
the Turbolift.
35 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM - A LITTLE LATER
O'Brien doing routine maintenance at his console. The
doors slide open and Picard ENTERS. O'Brien
straightens up, surprised.
O'BRIEN
Captain... ?
PICARD
I wanted to... chat with you.
O'BRIEN
Anything I can do, sir, you know
that.
PICARD
Ben Maxwell must be quite a man.
O'BRIEN
He's a rare one, all right.
(sincerely)
I count myself lucky, sir -- I've
served with the two finest
Captains in Starfleet.
Picard nods in acknowledgement of the compliment.
PICARD
Then... from your knowledge of
the man... what has gone wrong?
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/25/90 - ACT THREE 32.
35 CONTINUED:
O'BRIEN
(vehemently)
There's a reason for what he's
doing. Those Cardassians were
up to something, I'm sure of it.
Picard paces, searching for the questions that will
help him understand this rogue Captain.
PICARD
How did he take it... when his
family was killed?
O'Brien pauses, considers. He clearly wants to present
Maxwell in the best light.
O'BRIEN
I'd say he took it well. Oh, I
know he was broken up inside...
who wouldn't be? But you'd never
know it to see him. He never
missed a minute's duty, always
had a smile and a joke...
O'Brien says it as validation, but Picard hears
something rather more damning in this tale of the man
who never grieved.
PICARD
I see...
O'BRIEN
And Captain Maxwell, he'd never
retaliate out of vengeance, no
matter what that Cardassian says.
They're up to something...
they're the ones you should be
investigating, sir, not Captain
Maxwell.
PICARD
You don't care for the
Cardassians...
O'BRIEN
I like them fine. It's just...
well, I know them. You learn to
watch your back around those
people.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/25/90 - ACT THREE 33.
35 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
Within the last hour... Benjamin
Maxwell has sent over six hundred
of them to their deaths.
O'Brien is stunned.
O'BRIEN
I don't know what to say, sir...
he must've had his reasons...
PICARD
I think... when one has been angry
for a very long time... one gets
used to it. Then it becomes
comfortable... like old leather.
(beat)
And finally, it is so familiar
that one can hardly remember
feeling any other way.
(beat)
But in the long run, we are the
ones who are damaged by that kind
of anger. We are. Not them.
Picard EXITS, and O'Brien is left with feelings stirred
and unresolved. Just whom was Picard talking about?
36 INT. ENTERPRISE - TEN-FORWARD - LATER (OPTICAL)
O'Brien sits at the bar, nursing a synthetic beer.
Presently, the Cardassian, Daro, ENTERS, looks around,
sits at the bar at a remove from O'Brien.
DARO
(to bartender)
Kanar?
The bartender nods, retreats. O'Brien shifts his eyes
toward the Cardassian, catches him doing the same; both
look away. O'Brien takes a drink to finish off the
beer. He sets it down. He thinks.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/25/90 - ACT THREE 34.
36 CONTINUED:
Then he rises, moves toward the Cardassian.
O'BRIEN
Mind if I join you?
Daro gestures toward the stool next to him. O'Brien
sits; the bartender brings Daro's drink.
DARO
You want another?
(off O'Brien's nod)
And an ale.
O'Brien is trying to find his opening gambit. Daro
drinks.
O'BRIEN
Kanar... never could develop a
taste for it.
DARO
(smiles)
It takes some getting used to.
Things ease a bit. O'Brien takes a breath. This isn't
easy.
O'BRIEN
I wanted to say... I... I owe you
an apology.
Daro makes no response. O'Brien presses on, gingerly.
O'BRIEN
Shouldn't have... popped off like
that. In the Turbolift.
DARO
(carefully)
I think... this is hard on all
of us. I know I'll be happy when
I'm back on my own ship.
O'Brien regards him. This hadn't occurred to him.
O'BRIEN
I guess that's true.
(simply)
I hadn't thought of it like that.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/23/90 - ACT THREE 35.
36 CONTINUED: (2)
The bartender arrives with O'Brien's beer and he takes
a swallow. Then a breath.
O'BRIEN
I was on Setlik Three.
Daro looks at him, wary, not sure where this is going.
O'BRIEN
With Captain Maxwell, the morning
after the massacre. We got there
too late, of course... almost
everyone was dead...
DARO
(jumping in)
It was a terrible mistake... we
were told the outpost was to be
the launching place for a massive
attack against us...
O'Brien stares into his beer, talking as though playing
a tape in his mind.
O'BRIEN
The only people left alive were
in an outlying district of the
settlement... I was sent there,
with a squad, to reinforce them.
He seems to go into an almost dream-like state,
re-living the incident.
O'BRIEN
Cardassians were advancing on us,
moving through the streets,
destroying, killing... I was
with a group of women and children
when two Cardassian soldiers burst
in... I stunned the one, but the
other jumped me... we struggled...
one of the women threw me a phaser
and I fired...
O'Brien takes a sip of beer.
O'BRIEN
The phaser was set at maximum.
The man just... incinerated...
there, before my eyes.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/25/90 - ACT THREE 36.
36 CONTINUED: (3)
O'BRIEN (Cont'd)
(beat)
I'd never killed anything before.
When I was a kid I would worry
about having to swat a mosquito.
O'Brien shoves his beer away, stands.
O'BRIEN
It's not you I hate, Cardassian.
I hate what I became... because
of you.
He walks out, leaving Daro staring into his drink.
37 INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE - LATER
Picard, Riker, Data, and Macet. The Turbolift door
opens and Worf ENTERS, holding the Cardassian Glinn
Telle in a strong grip.
TELLE
I will protest this, Klingon!
WORF
Captain Picard.
Picard and Macet have risen, are staring at the two in
surprise.
PICARD
Mister Worf, you may release the
man.
WORF
(letting go)
He was found at a computer station
on Deck thirty-five, attempting
to access information on our
weapon systems.
TELLE
(to Macet)
A lie, Gul Macet. I was studying
the terminal interface systems...
they are more efficient than
ours. I have no idea what was in
the files.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/29/90 - ACT THREE 37.
37 CONTINUED:
MACET
What business did you have going
near one of their computers?
Telle is startled that his Captain does not support
him.
TELLE
But... Gul Macet... I meant
nothing... there has been no harm
done.
MACET
(grimly)
Go to your quarters. You are
confined there for the duration
of this expedition.
A charged hesitation, and then Telle inclines his head.
TELLE
As you wish, sir.
PICARD
Mister Worf, please accompany him.
WORF
Gladly.
He leads the Cardassian into the Turbolift. Macet
turns to Picard.
MACET
Captain... may we speak in
private?
Picard nods toward his Ready Room.
PICARD
You have the Bridge, Number One.
38 INT. ENTERPRISE - READY ROOM - CONTINUOUS (OPTICAL)
Macet and Picard ENTER. Macet begins.
MACET
Captain, I deeply regret what
my aide has done. You have my
word that he will be
disciplined upon my return.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/29/90 - ACT THREE 38.
38 CONTINUED:
PICARD
(conciliatory)
You may take whatever action
against him you feel is
appropriate. I consider the
matter closed.
Macet studies Picard closely...
MACET
I'm not sure I would be so
generous in your place, Captain.
Thank you.
PICARD
If there is to be a lasting peace,
Gul Macet, neither you nor I must
allow any one man to undermine
our efforts...
A beat. Macet nods, understanding...
MACET
There have always been those who
crave war. Who need it.
(beat)
I am not one of them, Captain.
I am beginning to see neither are
you. We have had our full measure.
The lasting peace begins here...
with the two of us.
But before Picard can respond...
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/29/90 - ACT THREE 39.
38 CONTINUED: (2)
DATA'S COM VOICE
Bridge to Captain.
PICARD
Picard here.
DATA'S COM VOICE
We have located the Phoenix,
Sir. We will intercept in
twenty-two minutes.
Picard and Macet exchange looks. What the future
brings will surely depend on the unknown factor of
Captain Benjamin Maxwell.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/23/90 - ACT FOUR 40.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
39 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND PHOENIX (OPTICAL)
The Enterprise with a slightly smaller, Nebula-class
ship.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, Stardate 44431.7.
We have established communication
with Captain Maxwell, and he has
agreed to come on board.
40 INT. ENTERPRISE - TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)
Riker and O'Brien wait as a figure MATERIALIZES on the
pad. Seconds later, CAPTAIN BENJAMIN MAXWELL steps
off. He is not at all what one might have expected.
Slight of build, short greying hair, chiseled, angular
face -- he could be Lenin. Or Lennon.
But in the eyes there is warmth -- and humor. Creases
at the edges testify to a lifetime of smiles and
laughter. He is genuinely at ease with himself, and
consequently puts others at ease. Riker steps forward.
RIKER
Welcome aboard, sir. I'm
Commander Riker, First Officer.
MAXWELL
I know all about you, Commander.
Fine work you did with the Borg.
We all owe you on that one.
RIKER
Thank you, sir.
Maxwell's eye falls on O'Brien, who stands to the side,
like a child awaiting the notice of a favorite uncle.
MAXWELL
O'Brien? Miles O'Brien?
O'BRIEN
Hello, Captain. Good to see you
again.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/23/90 - ACT FOUR 41.
40 CONTINUED:
Maxwell strides toward him, arm extended, shakes
O'Brien's hand, claps him on the shoulder. Maxwell's
smile is so ingenuous that he seems like a neighbor
hanging over the back fence.
MAXWELL
How are you? I had no idea you
were on the Enterprise.
(turning, to Riker)
This was my Tactical Officer on
the Rutledge. Best I ever had.
O'BRIEN
Thank you, sir.
MAXWELL
O'Brien has the ability to size
up a situation instantly, then
come up with options to fit all
contingencies. Remarkable.
The specificity of the compliment gives it impact.
O'BRIEN
If that's true, I learned it from
you, sir.
MAXWELL
(grins)
But you got that silver tongue
by kissing the stone, right?
(to Riker)
Well, Commander. Best I see your
Captain straight away. We have
a lot to talk about.
RIKER
Yes, sir.
Riker leads him out. O'Brien looks after them, a play
of emotions on his face. Is this revered man a saint
or a sinner? Or some of both?
41 INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE - MINUTES LATER
as the Turbolift opens and Maxwell walks out, followed
by Riker. His entrance electrifies everyone on the
Bridge.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/29/90 - ACT FOUR 42.
41 CONTINUED:
MAXWELL
What a sweet ship this is... I'll
admit, I've always wanted a Galaxy
class vessel...
He comes face to face with Gul Macet, who stands
straight, steely, looking him in the eye.
RIKER
Captain... Gul Macet. He and his
aides are guests on the ship.
MAXWELL
I see.
Neither man offers his hand. The warmth is gone from
Maxwell's eyes. There is a silence before Riker steps
in again.
RIKER
Captain Picard is waiting in his
Ready Room. This way.
He gestures, leads toward the Ready Room. Maxwell
turns, and Gul Macet follows him with his eyes until
he is gone.
42 INT. ENTERPRISE - READY ROOM - CONTINUOUS
RIKER
Captain Picard... Captain Benjamin
Maxwell.
Picard rises, extends his hand. Each man is appraising
the other, swiftly and carefully.
PICARD
Captain...
MAXWELL
A pleasure. I've heard about
you.
Picard makes no effort to return Maxwell's bonhomie.
PICARD
Sit down, please.
(to Riker)
That will be all, Commander.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/29/90 - ACT FOUR 43.
42 CONTINUED:
Riker EXITS. Maxwell looks up at Picard, smiling
easily.
MAXWELL
You must think I've gone mad.
PICARD
The thought has occurred.
MAXWELL
Picard, I have to tell you... I
was grateful when I realized it
was you Starfleet sent after me.
Somebody who knows what it's
really like out here.
PICARD
I know of nothing out here that
could justify what you've done.
Maxwell presses his fingers together like a professor
calmly explaining a difficult theorem to a student.
MAXWELL
Then listen to this -- the
Cardassians are arming again.
That so-called science station?
A military supply port.
PICARD
How do you know this?
MAXWELL
Information comes my way.
PICARD
From whom? Where is your
documentation?
Maxwell flashes him a look; he doesn't like being
challenged.
MAXWELL
You know how these things work...
you see things, you hear things...
you add them up and you know damn
well what's going on.
PICARD
In other words, you have no
documentation...
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/29/90 - ACT FOUR 44.
42 CONTINUED: (2)
MAXWELL
I know what they're doing. I can
smell it. There's no good reason
for a science station in the
Cuellar System... but it's a hell
of a strategic site for a
military transport station... a
jumping off point into three
Federation sectors. They're
running supply ships back and
forth... and nobody's gonna tell
me it's for scientific research...
PICARD
Whatever circumstances you
believed you encountered, why
didn't you notify Starfleet?
MAXWELL
And wait six months while the
bureaucrats sit around reading
reports, trying to figure out what
to do? They don't know what's
going on out here... but you
should, Picard, you know what it's
like to be under fire...
PICARD
You weren't under fire.
MAXWELL
Lives were at stake...
PICARD
Whose lives?
MAXWELL
We had to act now...
PICARD
Why?
A beat as Maxwell stares at him, the good-buddy, out
here in trenches together bull-stuff is gone.
MAXWELL
It smells musty in here... like
a bureaucrat's office.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/29/90 - ACT FOUR 45.
42 CONTINUED: (3)
PICARD
You have killed nearly seven
hundred people... taken us to the
brink of war...
MAXWELL
I have prevented war... or at the
very least delayed it a good long
time. The peace treaty was a
ruse, to give them breathing room,
time to regroup...
PICARD
And so you alone simply decided
to dispose of the treaty...
MAXWELL
I took the initiative... I did
what had to be done...
PICARD
'What had to be done'? For whom,
Maxwell?
(beat)
Why does a man with your long,
brilliant service suddenly abandon
the fundamental principles that
he has believed in, even fought
for, all his life... ? I'll tell
you what I believe... it was
because of what they did to your
wife... and your children...
MAXWELL
... Not true. Not true...
PICARD
... to avenge their deaths.
Maxwell is wounded, frustrated, realizing he cannot
win this confrontation...
MAXWELL
You're a fool, Picard. History
will look at you and say 'this
man was a fool'.
PICARD
I'll accept the judgement of
history.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 11/1/90 - ACT FOUR 46.
42 CONTINUED: (4)
MAXWELL
When it becomes clear what the
Cardassians have done, I will be
vindicated.
PICARD
What the Cardassians have or
haven't done is irrelevant...
MAXWELL
Irrelevant... come with me and
find one of their supply ships
and we'll see how irrelevant it
is...
PICARD
We are not going after any more
Cardassian ships, Captain
Maxwell... you are going to return
to your bridge and set a course
for Starbase Two-one-one... the
Phoenix and the Enterprise will
return to Federation space
together. I will permit you
the dignity of retaining your
command during our voyage. My
only alternative would be to put
you in our brig, while we tow
your ship back to starbase in
disgrace.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/25/90 - ACT FOUR 47.
42 CONTINUED: (5)
There's not much choice and Maxwell knows that. When
he speaks, he is broken, lost.
MAXWELL
I will return to my ship.
PICARD
You understand your orders?
MAXWELL
Yes, Captain.
Picard touches his insignia.
PICARD
Mister Worf, report to my Ready
Room. Our guest is departing.
Maxwell stares straight ahead; Picard does not try to
meet his eyes. It is a difficult moment for both.
43
thru OMITTED
44
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/29/90 - ACT FIVE 48.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
45 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND PHOENIX (OPTICAL)
travelling through space.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, supplemental: With
the Phoenix in close formation,
we are proceeding directly to
Starbase Two-one-one.
46 INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS
Picard, Riker, Macet, Data, Worf, crew.
PICARD
Mister Data, how long before we
clear Cardassian space?
DATA
At our present speed, three hours
and twenty minutes.
PICARD
Mister Worf, send a message to
Admiral Haden at Starfleet.
Inform him of our projected time
of arrival.
WORF
Yes, sir.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/29/90 - ACT FIVE 49.
46 CONTINUED:
DATA
Captain... the Phoenix is changing
course.
Concerned, Picard steps back toward the viewscreen.
46A ANGLE - VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
showing the Phoenix veering away from the Enterprise.
MACET
What is he doing?!
46B ANGLE ON THE OTHERS
PICARD
(to Conn)
Ensign, change course to pursue.
Mister Worf, hail Captain Maxwell.
Worf tries, but --
WORF
No response, sir.
RIKER
Data, project his new course.
DATA
Sir, the Phoenix is heading
directly for a Cardassian
vessel... point-one-two light
years from our location.
MACET
He'll attack that ship -- just
as he did the others.
PICARD
Continue your hail, Lieutenant,
Priority One message.
(to Macet)
Do you know what that vessel might
be?
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/29/90 - ACT FIVE 50.
46B CONTINUED:
MACET
I imagine it's a supply ship,
headed for the research station
in the Kelrabi system. The
destruction of our primary science
outpost has put an added burden
on the others.
WORF
The Phoenix still does not
respond.
PICARD
Ensign, warp eight. Overtake
him.
DATA
Sir, the Phoenix has accelerated
to warp nine. We will not be able
to reach him before he
intercepts the Cardassian ship.
PICARD
Warp nine, Ensign. Mister Worf,
arm phasers... continue hails...
WORF
Aye, sir.
RIKER
Captain, Chief O'Brien was
Maxwell's Tactical officer...
PICARD
Get him up here.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/29/90 - ACT FIVE 51.
46C EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
streaking through space.
46D INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
O'Brien emerges from the Turbolift during --
DATA
Sir, the Phoenix has dropped out
of warp. They have reached the
Cardassian vessel.
RIKER
Slow to impulse.
WORF
Vessels are in visual range.
PICARD
On screen.
The viewscreen shows the Phoenix moving next to a huge
Cardassian freighter.
RIKER
(to Data)
Has the Phoenix activated its
weapon systems?
DATA
Negative, sir. Phaser banks are
not armed...
RIKER
What about the Cardassians?
DATA
(checking)
Our sensors are unable to
determine status of the Cardassian
defensive systems... Their ship
is running with a high-powered
subspace field.
Picard raises only the slightest eyebrow to this
exchange, files it away for later as O'Brien reports
to him.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/29/90 - ACT FIVE 51A.
46D CONTINUED:
PICARD
Mister O'Brien... your former
Commander is about to place me
in the unenviable position of
having to fire upon another
Federation ship. I will need
to draw upon your knowledge of
the man... how he thinks... what
he is capable of doing...
O'BRIEN
Aye, sir.
WORF
Sir, Captain Maxwell is hailing
us.
PICARD
On screen.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/29/90 - ACT FIVE 52.
47 ANGLE ON VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
Maxwell's image appears in his darkened Ready Room.
MAXWELL
All right, Picard, you need
proof... you've got it now...
PICARD
Captain Maxwell, you have
disobeyed a direct order...
MAXWELL
Board the ship, you'll see that
everything I've been saying is
true --
PICARD
The Cardassian ship will not be
boarded. You will transport
yourself aboard the Enterprise...
MAXWELL
Picard, if you don't board that
ship, I'll destroy it.
PICARD
And I will use whatever force
is necessary to prevent you from
taking that action, Captain.
Maxwell studies Picard incredulously for a beat, then
hits a panel and ends the transmission. The screen
goes back to the Phoenix and the Cardassian ship.
O'BRIEN
Sir, Captain Maxwell... if he
feels his back is to the wall,
he'll strike...
DATA
Captain, the Phoenix is
transferring power to its
shields...
WORF
They're arming phasers... loading
forward torpedo bays...
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/29/90 - ACT FIVE 53.
47 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Red alert. It appears you are
correct, Mister O'Brien.
The lights begin to flash...
PICARD
Ready phasers... load torpedoes...
WORF
Phasers ready... loading forward
and aft torpedo bays...
A long beat as Picard takes a step toward the
viewscreen... waiting to see what Maxwell does now...
O'BRIEN
Sir? Let me beam over... try to
talk to him.
All heads turn toward O'Brien.
O'BRIEN
We served together a long time...
after you've been through what
we have... you kind of get inside
a person. He might listen.
Picard hesitates, considering it.
RIKER
He'll never drop his shields to
let you transport on board.
O'BRIEN
The Phoenix is using a high-energy
sensor sweep. It cycles every
five-point-five minutes. Between
those cycles there's a window of
a fiftieth of a second.
(beat)
Trust me. I can get through.
PICARD
Make it so.
O'Brien heads for the Turbolift.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 11/5/90 - ACT FIVE 54.
47A INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM - MINUTES LATER
O'Brien and Geordi at the console.
O'BRIEN
It's good we're trying this with
another Federation ship. It would
never work with an alien vessel.
GEORDI
I'm not so sure it's going to work
this time. Can you get an
accurate enough fix on his shield
modulation to get through?
O'BRIEN
I think so. The Phoenix should
be following standard Starfleet
protocols. They have to align
their shields at the start of
every sweep.
GEORDI
So you'll sync up the beam...
O'BRIEN
And slip right through...
He holds up both hands... slips the fingers of his left
hand through the separated fingers of his right.
GEORDI
But if there's any phase error...
you could materialize outside the
ship... we'd never have a chance
to correct.
O'BRIEN
I've been monitoring his sweep
patterns... I'm telling you, I
can compensate...
GEORDI
And I guess we could increase the
pattern buffer cycle to give us
a little more margin for error...
O'BRIEN
The current cycle is almost
finished, sir... they'll be phase
aligning in twenty seconds...
GEORDI
Okay, Chief -- let's do it.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 11/5/90 - ACT FIVE 54A.
47A CONTINUED:
O'Brien goes to the Transporter pad. Geordi keeps his
eye on the console.
GEORDI
Stand by... five seconds... here
we go... two... one...
He hits the controls, and O'Brien DEMATERIALIZES from
the pad.
GEORDI
Good luck, Chief.
47A INT. PHOENIX - CORRIDOR - MINUTES LATER (OPTICAL)
O'Brien MATERIALIZES in the corridor. There is no one
around. He glances up and down the corridor, turns
a corner.
48 INT. PHOENIX - CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM - CONTINUOUS
(OPTICAL)
The room is darkly lit... a subdued, murky mood.
Maxwell sits at his desk, hands carefully folded,
staring at nothing. The bell CHIMES.
MAXWELL
Not now!
The doors open and O'Brien enters. Maxwell reacts,
leaps to his feet, reaches for a phaser.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/29/90 - ACT FIVE 55.
48 CONTINUED:
O'BRIEN
I'm not armed.
MAXWELL
How the devil did you get over
here?
O'BRIEN
I had the thought that if I talked
to you... we could figure a way
out of this mess.
Maxwell replaces the phaser.
MAXWELL
The way out of this is clear,
O'Brien. Talk to Picard... get
him to board that damned ship...
O'BRIEN
He won't do that, sir...
MAXWELL
But he'd turn his weapons on a
Federation Starship to protect
the enemy? I don't believe it...
O'BRIEN
He will, you can count on it.
MAXWELL
(frustrated)
What the hell has happened to
this war...
O'BRIEN
Sir, there is no war... the war
is over.
Maxwell stares at him.
MAXWELL
You're wrong. The Cardassians
live to make war.
O'BRIEN
That's what everybody thinks about
the enemy. That's probably what
they think about us.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/29/90 - ACT FIVE 56.
48 CONTINUED: (2)
MAXWELL
We're not the same at all. We
do not start wars. We do not make
surprise attacks on manned
outposts. We do not butcher women
and children in their homes...
children who never got the chance
to grow up...
His eyes glisten... seeing the family that he lost...
a long beat... O'Brien studies him. Maxwell is
drifting back in time... a time when camraderie, and
glory, stood for something...
MAXWELL
You were on Setlick with me...
you saw what they did...
O'BRIEN
Yes, sir.
MAXWELL
What was the name of the fellow
who hung on to you like a puppy?
O'BRIEN
Will Kayden...
(Maxwell doesn't
recognize it)
Stompie.
MAXWELL
(now he does)
Stompie. As cool under fire as
a mountain lake...
O'BRIEN
Yessir.
MAXWELL
He died at Setlick, didn't he...
O'BRIEN
Yessir.
MAXWELL
What was that song of his... the
one he always sang... the one I
liked...
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/29/90 - ACT FIVE 57.
48 CONTINUED: (3)
O'BRIEN
(softly)
"The minstrel boy to the war is gone...
In the ranks of death you'll find him... "
And Maxwell joins in... two old friends, singing about
a world in the past...
MAXWELL AND O'BRIEN
"His father's sword he hath girded on,
And his wild harp slung behind him...
Land of song, said the warrior bard,
Tho all the world betrays thee,
One sword at least thy rights shall guard,
One faithful harp shall praise thee."
A long beat.
MAXWELL
(soft)
I'm not gonna win this one, am
I Chief?
O'BRIEN
Nossir.
MAXWELL
(nods, keys insignia)
Maxwell to Bridge. Stand down
all weapons.
COM VOICE
Aye, sir.
O'Brien and Maxwell look at each other... Maxwell
almost grins in defeat.
49 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND PHOENIX (OPTICAL)
The two ships in tandem, proceeding toward home.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, supplemental:
Captain Maxwell has turned his
ship over to his First Officer and
transported aboard the Enterprise.
I have confined him to quarters
for the return voyage.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/29/90 - ACT FIVE 58.
50 INT. ENTERPRISE - OBSERVATION LOUNGE
Picard, Macet, and O'Brien.
O'BRIEN
I'd just like to say... he's a
good man, sir... What he did was
terribly wrong, I know that now...
but I'm still proud to have served
with him.
PICARD
(acknowledges)
Thank you, Mister O'Brien. Well
done. That'll be all.
And O'Brien turns and EXITS.
MACET
His loyalty is admirable... even
if it is misplaced.
Picard turns toward him. He speaks quietly... but his
words are steel.
PICARD
The loyalty you would so quickly
dismiss does not come easily to
my people, Gul Macet. You have
much to learn about us. Benjamin
Maxwell earned the loyalty of
those who served with him. In
war, he was twice honored with
the Federation's highest citation
for his courage and valor. And
if he could not find a role for
himself in peace, we can pity him,
but we shall not dismiss him.
Macet shrugs, stands to exit...
MACET
You are welcome to your opinion,
Captain. I for one am grateful
he is under lock and key.
Macet moves to the door.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/29/90 - ACT FIVE 59.
50 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Oh, one more thing, Macet.
Maxwell was right. Those ships
weren't carrying scientific
equipment, were they?
Macet stops at the door, doesn't turn.
PICARD
A 'research' station within arm's
reach of three Federation
sectors... ? Cargo ships running
with high energy subspace fields
that jam sensors?
A beat. Macet studies him curiously.
MACET
If you believed the transport ship
carried weapons, why didn't you
board it as Maxwell requested?
PICARD
I was here to protect the peace,
a peace I firmly believe is in
the interests of both our peoples.
But if I had attempted to board
that ship... I am quite certain
that you and I would not be
sitting here now. And that ships
on both sides would be arming for
war.
MACET
Captain, I assure you...
PICARD
(interrupting)
Take a message to your leaders,
Gul Macet. We know. We'll be
watching. We'll be ready.
STAR TREK: "The Wounded" - REV. 10/29/90 - ACT FIVE 60.
50 CONTINUED: (2)
Macet blinks, nods and EXITS. On Picard's last
look...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END